Chapter Four: Let Me Go

Ayame awoke to the sound of silence. She tried to move her arms, but nothing happened.

"Atame has taken to strapping you down so you won't escape. I think it unnecessary."

Itachi sat next to her, staring down at her with blank eyes.

"Why won't you leave me alone?"

"……..When will you get it?"

"Get what?! You try to drown me, you constantly lecture me, and you use the sharingan on me on a daily basis! What do I need to get!?!"

"Each time you were under the Tsukuyomi, you were fully aware. You manage to break my bond, and not because you too possess this bloodline trait but because you possess the rarest one of the clan. You have the power to purify; the power to use light to attack your enemies."

"Whatever."

Itachi narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps you've been with Sasuke for too long."

"Want to try that again, brother?"

"Stop being so stubborn and open your eyes. You'll have to face him soon enough anyway so get over it and move on."

Ayame turned her back on him.

"You are leaving for Konoha today. Fix yourself up and get ready."

"Konoha is not my home."

"You're going dammit whether you like it or not."

"The only way you will get me to comply is if you drag me back."

Itachi's eyes were now narrowed to slits.

"As you wish."

"What the hell?!"

"Put me down you bastard!"

Ayame kicked at him and clawed at him to let her go. He regarded her as nothing more than luggage.

They walked down the hall to the office of the Hokage, attracting the attention of everyone there.

"-so we will need to upload security at all of these major points, but only as a precaution-"

The door opened, surprising the shinobi greatly.

"Let me go you asshole!"

"I have brought back your shinobi, be sure to take care of her."

"Itachi!" Naruto made to stand, but was stopped by Sakura.

"You would do well to watch her-"

"I can watch myself!"

Itachi dropped her into a chair, then left in a gust of wind.

The room went silent.

Ayame didn't waste time, but quickly rushed to the door. Naruto beta her to it and grabbed her around the waist.

"Let me go!"

"After we searched like hell to find you?! No chance…"

"Dammit Naruto!"

She was seated once again, in from of a stunned Tsunade.

"Ayame, you are alive. Naruto said he saw you die."

"I did die."

"What are you talking about?"

"I don't know who the hell you are anymore. Yuyiko is dead and the Ayame you tried to save did not survive."

"Ayame…"

Looking closely, Naruto could see the familiar coldness of her eyes. Dark……like onyx.

Like his.

Hell no, he thought. This isn't over………not by a long shot.